Police officers are required to train continuously for preparedness on city streets.

The fact that there are multiple possibilities on any given day of patrol officers engaging armed criminals is an excellent reason for police to stay ready to engage a threat.

The threat of crime entailing violence in a small community like Russellville is held at bay by well trained law enforcement, according to Russellville Police Department Public Information Officer Drew Latch. The Russellville police department goes to great lengths to remain ready for such threats.

According to Latch, the force underwent more than 8,900 hours of specialized intensive training in 2012 and officers experienced several different types of training through the course of a year.

“Defensive tactics training, hand to hand force, critical incident training, training for school responses, community policing, crime scene investigation, plus lots of DWI and firearm training are some of the required annual professional development officers must go through,” said Latch.

Officers also learn how to get involved on the civilian side of crime issues.

Latch said neighborhood watches and witness investigation are aspects of police work covered by department education courses. He said the RPD has seven certified officers who assist families with small children install car seats properly. That is more than some other police departments, said Latch.

“We are dedicated to helping drivers ensure child safety on the road”

Officers are given guidance in how to perform building, vehicle and person searches as well, said Latch.

Some of the practice exercises involve the use of simulated rounds, he said.

Sim-rounds are used for action level target practice and is one of the fun events when searching for a mock suspect. It is like a high powered paint ball exercise, he said.

The sim-rounds are more like crayons and are used to mark the pretend suspect during practice.

Latch said officers spend many hours in weapons training. They use training rounds on the firing range. This helps reduce training costs, said Latch.

Latch stressed that no reloads are ever used in police firearms. Reloaded ammunition tears up the guns.

Most of the training firearms use .22 caliber rounds, he said. This makes the bullets less expensive.

The availability in the market has really influenced the price of ammo, said Latch. The market is currently strapped because of the recent restriction scare.